Report: Saints interested in veteran WR Anquan Boldin

According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the New Orleans Saints have interest in veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

The Thursday afternoon report came from Rapoport’s Twitter account, who said the Saints were making the biggest push to sign the soon-to-be 36-year-old veteran. The familiarity with his former wide receivers coach John Morton is said to be a big reason.

On FA WR Anquan Boldin: Source said #Saints are making the strongest push to sign him & he loves ex-#49ers, now NO's, WR coach John Morton
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2016

Boldin, who has been in the league since 2003, spent the past three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. His 2015 numbers may have been on the declining side, but Boldin still managed 69 receptions for 789 yards and 4 touchdowns after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.

As a former second-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals, Boldin had some strong years from 2003-2009. He still holds three franchise records for best receiving yards per game average in a season (100.1 – 2005), receptions per game average in a season (7.4 – 2008), and receptions per game average in his career (6).

Boldin was traded to the Baltimore Ravens during the 2010 NFL draft for picks, and eventually helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII, which was coincidentally held in New Orleans. His Super Bowl performance of 6 receptions for 104 yards and a score was good for 31st overall in Super Bowl history, and 13th overall for AFC history.

Next: Saints positional previews: Wide Receiver

There’s little to no question that the Saints younger and inexperienced wide receiver corps could use a strong mentor like Anquan Boldin, as the team figures to have Brandin Cooks (3rd season), Willie Snead (2nd season), and Michael Thomas (rookie) as the starting pieces for quarterback Drew Brees. It will be something to keep an eye on, as we’re less than two weeks away from training camp reporting.

Nov 9, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) catches the ball in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Corey White (24) during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

According to Mark Ingram’s Twitter account, it seems he’s mentioned Boldin coming to the Big Easy before.

I've been telling this man since March!! https://t.co/wX1fMeaG1g
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) July 14, 2016

Oh by the way, Boldin edged out Benjamin Watson for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award back in February through his work with the Anquan Boldin Foundation.

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